chapter 2 editing and modifying the sketches · 2005. 1. 28. · editing and modifying the sketches...

Chapter 2

Editing and Modifyingthe Sketches

After completing this chapter you will be able to:• Edit sketches using various editing tools.• Create rectangular patterns of sketched entities.• Create circular patterns of sketched entities.• Write text in the sketching environment.• Modify sketch entities.• Modify sketches by dynamically dragging the sketched entities.

Learning Objectives

2-2 SolidWorks for Designers

EDITING THE SKETCHED ENTITIESSolidWorks provides you with a number of tools that can be used to edit the sketched entities.These options include trimming the sketched entities, extending the sketched entities, offsettingthe sketched entities, mirroring the sketched entities, and so on.

Trimming the Sketched Entities

The Trim Entities tool is used to trim the unwanted entities in a sketch. You can usethis tool to trim a line, arc, ellipse, parabola, circle, spline, or centerline that isintersecting a line, arc, circle, ellipse, parabola, spline, or centerline. To use thetrim option, choose the Trim Entities button from the Sketch CommandManager.

The cursor will be replaced by the trim cursor; move the trim cursor near to the portion of thesketched entity to be removed. If the entity will be completely deleted using the trim option,then that entity will be highlighted in red. But if a portion of the entity will be removed, thenthat portion will be highlighted in black. Press the left mouse button to remove the highlightedentity. Figures 2-1 and 2-2 show the sketch before and after trimming the entities.

Using the Trim Option to Extend a Sketched EntityYou can also use the Trim Entities tool to extend the sketched entities. To do this, choose theTrim Entities button from the Sketch CommandManager and move the trim cursor to the entityto be extended. When the sketched entity turns red or black in color, drag the cursor to theentity up to which the selected entity is to be extended. You can notice the preview of theextended entity in yellow color. Release the left mouse button when the preview of the extendedentity appears.

CommandManager: Sketch > Trim EntitiesMenu: Tools > Sketch Tools > TrimToolbar: Sketch > Trim Entities

Figure 2-1 Entities to be selected for trimming Figure 2-2 Sketch after trimming the entities

Editing and Modifying the Sketches 2-3

Extending the Sketched Entities

The Extend Entities tool is used to extend the sketched entity to intersect the nextavailable entity. The tool is used to extend a line, arc, ellipse, parabola, circle,spline, or center line to intersect a line, arc, circle, ellipse, parabola, spline, orcenter line. The sketched entity is extended up to its intersection with another

sketched entity or a model edge. Choose the Extend Entities button from the SketchCommandManager and move the extend cursor close to the portion of the sketched entity to beextended. The entity to be extended is displayed in black and the preview of the extendedportion of the entity is displayed in yellow. Press the left mouse button to complete the extendoperation. Figure 2-3 shows the sketched entities before extending and Figure 2-4 shows thesketched entities after extending.

Tip. In SolidWorks all the buttons are not displayed by default in the toolbars orCommandManagers. Therefore, you have to customize them according to yourneed and specifications. The next topic is Extending the Sketched Entities. The toolbutton for the Extend option is not available in the Sketch Tools toolbar. To insertthe Extend Entities button in the Sketch CommandManager, you need to followthe procedure given as under:

1. Choose Tools > Customize from the menu bar to display the Customize dialogbox.2. Choose the Commands tab from the Customize dialog box.3. Choose Sketch from the Categories area of the Customize dialog box.4. Press and hold down the left mouse button to select the Extend Entities buttonfrom the Buttons area of the Customize dialog box. You can view the description ofthe Extend Entities button in the Description area.5. Drag the mouse to the Sketch CommandManager and release the left mousebutton to place the Extend Entities button on this CommandManager.6. Choose OK from the Customize dialog box.

You can insert the other tool buttons in the Sketch CommandManager or anyother CommandManager by following the same procedure. To remove the tool buttonfrom any of the CommandManager, invoke the Customize dialog box and using theleft mouse button select the tool button that you want to remove and drag it in thegraphics area.

When you customize and add a tool to the CommandManager, it is automaticallyadded to the toolbar also.

CommandManager: Sketch > Extend Entities (Customize to Add)

Menu: Tools > Sketch Tools > ExtendToolbar: Sketch > Extend Entities (Customize to Add)

Tip. If the preview of the sketched entity to be extended is shown in the wrongdirection, move the extend cursor to a position on the other half of the entity andobserve the new preview.


Filleting the Sketched Entities

Fillet creates a tangent arc at the intersection of two sketched entities. It trims orextends the entities to be filleted, depending on the geometry of the sketched entity.You can apply fillet between two nonparallel lines, between two arcs, between twosplines, between an arc and a line, between a spline and a line, and between a spline

and an arc. The fillet between two arcs, or between an arc and a line depends on the compatibilityof the geometry to be extended or filleted along a given radius. You can invoke the Sketch Fillettool first and then select the entities to be filleted. You can also hold down the CTRL key andfirst select two entities to be filleted and then invoke this tool. When you invoke this tool, theSketch Fillet PropertyManager is displayed, as shown in Figure 2-5. Set the value of the FilletRadius spinner and press ENTER or choose the Apply button from the Sketch Fillet dialogbox. You can also select the sketched entities after invoking the Sketch Fillet PropertyManager.

CommandManager: Sketch > Sketch FilletMenu: Tools > Sketch Tools > FilletToolbar: Sketch > Sketch Fillet

Tip. You can toggle between the Trim Entities and Extend Entities tools using theshortcut menu that is displayed upon right-clicking when one of these tools is active.

Figure 2-5 Sketch Fillet PropertyManager

Figure 2-4 Sketched entities after extendingFigure 2-3 Sketched entities before extending


You can also select the nonintersecting entities for creating fillet. While filleting the nonintersectingentities the selected entities will be extended to form a fillet. If the Keep constrained cornerscheck box is selected, the dimension and geometric relations applied to the sketch will not bedeleted. If you clear the Keep constrained corners check box, you will be prompted to deletethe relations applied to the corners of the sketched entities to be filleted. The Undo button isdisplayed in the Sketch Fillet PropertyManager when you create at least one sketch fillet.Figures 2-6 and 2-7 show the sketched entities before and after applying the radius.

NoteThe consecutive fillets with the same radius are not dimensioned individually; an automaticequal radii relation is applied to all the fillets.

The fillet creation between two splines, between a spline and a line, and between a spline and anarc depends on the compatibility of the spline to be trimmed or extended.

Chamfering the Sketched Entities

The Sketch Chamfer tool is used to apply a chamfer to adjacent sketch entities.The chamfer can be specified by angle-distance or distance-distance options. Youcan apply chamfer between two nonparallel lines; the lines may be intersecting linesor nonintersecting lines. The creation of chamfer between two nonintersecting lines

Figure 2-6 Sketched entities before and aftercreating fillet.

Figure 2-7 Sketched entities before and aftercreating fillet.

Tip. The other method of creating a sketched fillet between two entities is to drag awindow around the entities to be filleted. To fillet the entities using this method,invoke the Sketch Fillet PropertyManager. Set the fillet radius spinner to therequired value. Now, drag the cursor to create a window around the two entities tobe filleted such that they are enclosed inside the window. As soon as you release theleft mouse button, the fillet will be created between the two selected entities.

You can also select a vertex to fillet the two entities that form that vertex.

CommandManager: Sketch > Sketch Chamfer (Customize to Add)

Menu: Tools > Sketch Tools > ChamferToolbar: Sketch > Sketch Chamfer (Customize to Add)


depends on the length of the lines and the chamfer distance. To create chamfer, choose theSketch Chamfer button from the Sketch CommandManager and select two entities to bechamfered. You can also select the two entities before invoking the Chamfer tool. When youinvoke this tool, the Sketch Chamfer PropertyManager is displayed, shown in Figure 2-8. Theoptions available in the Sketch Chamfer PropertyManager are discussed next.

Angle-distanceThe Angle-distance radio button is selected to create the chamfer by specifying the angle andthe distance, refer to Figure 2-9. When you select this radio button, the Direction 1 Anglespinner is displayed below the Distance 1 spinner. The Distance 1 spinner is used to specify thedistance and the Direction 1 Angle spinner is used to specify the angle. Note that the angle willbe measured from the first entity that you selected.

Distance-distanceThe Distance-distance radio button is selected to create the chamfer by specifying the distancesalong both the selected lines, refer to Figure 2-9. When you invoke the Sketch ChamferPropertyManager, the Distance-distance radio button and the Equal distance check box areselected by default. Therefore, you can create an equal distance chamfer between the selectedentities. The distance value can be specified in the Distance 1 spinner.

Equal distanceThe Equal distance check box is selected to specify an equal distance in both the directions forcreating the sketched chamfer. This check box is selected by default. If you clear this check box,you can specify two different distances for creating the chamfer, refer to Figure 2-9. When youclear this check box the Distance 2 spinner is displayed below the Distance 1 spinner to set thevalue of distance in the second direction. Note that the distance 1 value will be measured alongthe first entity that you selected and distance 2 is measured along the second entity that youselected.

You can also use the shortcut menu that is invoked to use the various methods of creatingchamfer.

Figure 2-8 Sketch Chamfer PropertyManager


NoteIf you apply a sketch chamfer to the entities that are constrained using some relations or dimensions,the SolidWorks warning box will be displayed. This window will inform you At least onesketch constraint is about to be lost, Chamfer anyway? Choose the Yes button from thiswarning box. You will learn more about the relations and dimensions that constrain the sketch inlater chapters.

Offsetting the Sketched Entities

Offsetting is one of the easiest methods of drawing parallel lines or concentric arcs,and circles. You can select the entire chain of the entities as a single entity or selectan individual entity to offset. You can offset selected sketched entities, edges, loops,faces, curves. When you choose the Offset Entities button from the Sketch Tools

toolbar the Offset Entities PropertyManager is displayed as shown in Figure 2-10. The variousoptions available in the Offset Entities PropertyManager are discussed next.

NoteWhile performing any kind of editing operation, if you want to clear the current selection set,right-click in the drawing area and choose Clear Selections from the shortcut menu.

Offset DistanceThe Offset Distance spinner is used to set the distance through which the selected entity needsto be offset. You can set the value of the offset distance using this spinner or by dragging theoffset entity in the drawing area.

CommandManager: Sketch > Offset EntitiesMenu: Tools > Sketch Tools > Offset EntitiesToolbar: Sketch > Offset Entities

Figure 2-9 Creating various types of chamfers


Figure 2-11 Offsetting a chain of entities Figure 2-12 Offsetting a single entity

ReverseThe Reverse check box is selected to change the direction of offset. Note that while offsettingthe entities by dragging, you do not need this check box. This is because you can define thedirection of offset by dragging the entities in that direction.

Select ChainThe Select Chain check box is selected to select the entire chain of continuous sketched entitiesthat are in contact with the selected entity. When you invoke the offset tool, the Select Chaincheck box is selected by default. If you clear this check box, then only the selected sketchedentity will be offset.

Bi-directionalThe Bi-directional radio button is selected to create offset entities in two directions. If theBi-directional check box is selected, then the Reverse check box will not be available in theParameters area of the Offset Entities PropertyManager.

Figure 2-11 shows a new chain of entities created by offsetting the chain of entities. Figure 2-12shows the offsetting of a single entity.

Figure 2-10 Offset Entities PropertyManager


NoteWhenever you offset an entity, the offset distance between the old and the new entities is displayedon the screen in the form of a dimension.

Mirroring the Sketched Entities

The Mirror Entities tool is used to create the mirror image of the selected entities.The entities are mirrored about a center line. When you create the mirrored entity,SolidWorks applies the symmetric relation between the sketched entities. If youchange the entity, its mirror image will also change. There are two methods to create

the mirrored image of a sketched entity. They are discussed next.

Mirroring the Existing ItemsCreate the sketch of the entities to be mirrored using the normal sketch tools in the sketchingenvironment. Choose the Centerline button from the Sketch CommandManager and create acenterline about which the sketched entities will be mirrored. Now, hold down the CTRL keyand using the left mouse button, select the entities to be mirrored and the centerline aboutwhich the entities will be mirrored. You can also select the entities by dragging a window aroundthe sketched entities and the centerline. After selecting the entities, invoke the Mirror Entitiestool from the Sketch CommandManager. The sketched entities are mirrored about the centerline.If you modify the sketch of the sketched entity, the same will be reflected on the mirror image.Figure 2-13 shows the sketched entities with the centerline and Figure 2-14 shows the resultantmirror image of the sketched entities.

Mirroring Items While Sketching (Automatic Mirroring)This method is recommended when you are creating symmetric sketches. To use this method,create a centerline along which the sketched entities will be mirrored. Select the centerline andchoose the Mirror Entities button from the Sketch CommandManager. The symmetry symbolsappear at both ends of the centerline to indicate that automatic mirroring is activated, as shown

CommandManager: Sketch > Mirror EntitiesMenu: Tools > Sketch Tools > MirrorToolbar: Sketch > Mirror Entities

Figure 2-13 Selecting the sketched entities and thecenterline

Figure 2-14 Sketch after mirroring the geometry


in Figure 2-15. Now, start creating the sketch. The sketched entity that you create on one side ofthe centerline will automatically be created on the other side of the mirror line (centerline).

As evident in Figure 2-16, the entities are mirrored automatically while sketching.

Figure 2-17 shows the complete sketch with automatic mirroring.

NoteAfter completing the sketch using the automatic mirroring option, you can clear this option bychoosing the Mirror Entities button from the Sketch CommandManager.

Figure 2-15 The centerline and the symmetry symbols that indicatethat automatic mirroring is activated

Figure 2-16 Sketching using automatic mirroring active


MOVING, ROTATING, AND SCALING THESKETCHED ENTITIESOne of the latest enhancements in SolidWorks 2004 is the tool that allows you tomove, rotate, or scale the selected sketched entities. All these operations can be performed usingthe Move or Copy Entities tool. You can also make a copy of the sketched entities while you aremoving, rotating, or scaling the entities. When you invoke this tool, the Move or CopyPropertyManager is displayed. You can select the option to move, rotate, or scale the selectedentities in this PropertyManager. However, the menu bar provides you separate options toinvoke any of these three operations. You can choose any of these operations from the Tools >Sketch Tools menu. You can also invoke any of these operations using the shortcut menu that isdisplayed when you select the entities and right-click.

The various operations that can be performed using the Move or Copy Entities tool are discussednext.

Moving or Copying the Sketched Entities

To move or copy the sketched entities, invoke this tool. Remember that this tool willbe available only when at least one sketched entity is drawn. When you invoke thistool, the Move or Copy PropertyManager is displayed, as shown in Figure 2-18and you are prompted to select sketch items or annotations. The options available

in this PropertyManager are discussed next.

Figure 2-17 Sketch drawn with automatic mirroring

Command Manager: Sketch > Move or CopyMenu: Tools > Sketch Tools > Move or CopyToolbar: Sketch > Move or Copy


Figure 2-18 Move or Copy PropertyManager

Operation RolloutThe options in the Operation rollout are used to select the operation to be performed and toselect the entities. You can first invoke the Move or Copy PropertyManager and then select theentities to be moved or copied. The selected entities are displayed in the Sketch items orannotations selection area. After selecting all the entities, right-click to accept the selection set.

You can select the Copy check box if you want to copy the selected entities. When you select thischeck box, the Number of Copies spinner is displayed below this check box. You can specifythe number of copies to be created using this spinner. You can select the Keep relations checkbox from this area to retain the relations applied to the selected entities even after performingthis operation. This check box is not available if you select the Copy check box.

Base Point RolloutThe options in this rollout are used to specify the base point for moving or copying the selected


entities. After selecting the entities to be moved or copied, as soon as you right-click, you areprompted to specify the base point of the move. Also, the base point icon is attached to thearrow cursor. You can define the base point by specifying a point on the screen or by entering thecoordinates of the base point in the Start X Coordinate and Start Y Coordinate spinnersavailable in this area. If you want to use the spinners, set the values in the spinners and thenpress the TAB key to accept the values. The base point icon is automatically fixed at the basepoint that you define.

If you want to redefine the base point, right-click in the drawing area and choose Define BasePoint. The previous selection is cleared and you are prompted to specify the base point again.

Destination RolloutThe options in this rollout are used to specify the destination where the entities will be placedafter moving or copying. As soon as you define the base point, this rollout is activated and youare prompted to specify the destination of the move. Also, the destination icon is attached to thearrow cursor. As you move the cursor on the screen, the selected entities also move dynamically.You can define the destination point by specifying a point on the screen or use the End XCoordinate and End Y Coordinate spinners to enter the values.

If you select the Relative offset check box, the Base Point rollout will no more be displayed andthe Destination rollout also shows Delta X and Delta Y spinners. By selecting this check box,you can define the displacement along X and Y directions. All the selected entities will bemoved in the X and Y directions through the distances specified in the two spinners.

If you selected the Copy check box in the Operation rollout, the preview of the specifiednumber of copies will be displayed and the gap between the copies is defined by the differencebetween the base point and the destination point.

Figure 2-19 shows the selected entities being moved using the Move or Copy tool. In this figure,the upper and the right edge of a rectangle is selected to be moved.

Figure 2-19 Moving the selected entities


Rotating or Copying the Sketched Entities

To rotate or copy the sketched entities, invoke the Rotate or Copy tool. You can alsoselect the entities and right-click to display the shortcut menu. In this menu, chooseRotate or Copy to invoke this tool. When you invoke this tool, the Move or CopyPropertyManager is displayed, as shown in Figure 2-20, and you are prompted to

select sketch items or annotations.

The entities that you select to rotate are displayed in the Sketch items or annotations selectionarea of the Operation rollout. After selecting the entities to rotate, right-click. You will be promptedto specify the base point about which to rotate. You can use the options in the Base Point rollout.These options are similar to those discussed while moving the entities.

Figure 2-20 Move or Copy PropertyManager forthe Rotate tool

Command Manager: Sketch > Rotate or Copy (Customize to Add)

Menu: Tools > Sketch Tools > Rotate or CopyToolbar: Sketch > Rotate or Copy (Customize to Add)


Figure 2-21 Defining the rotation angle for the rectangle bydragging the mouse

As soon as you specify the base point, the Angle spinner in the Rotate rollout is highlighted.You can specify the angle of rotation using this spinner. You can also drag the mouse on thescreen to define the angle of rotation.

Figure 2-21 shows a rectangle being rotated by dragging the cursor to define the angle of rotation.The lower right vertex of the rectangle is taken as the base point of rotation.

Scaling or Copying the Sketched Entities

To scale or copy the sketched entities, invoke the Scale or Copy tool using the menubar or using the shortcut menu. The PropertyManager that is displayed is similarto the one that is displayed for rotating. The only difference is that thePropertyManager for scaling has the Scale Factor spinner in the Operation rollout.

This spinner is used to specify the scale factor for scaling the selected entities. Note that in thiscase, the Keep relations check box is not available.

After you select the entities to be scaled, define the base point. Next, specify the scale factorusing the spinner and then right-click to complete this operation.

CREATING PATTERNSWhile sketching the base feature of a model, sometimes you may need to place the sketchedentities in a particular arrangement such as along linear edges or around a circle. For example,refer to Figures 2-22 and 2-23. These figures show the base features with the slots. These slots are

Command Manager: Sketch > Scale or Copy (Customize to Add)

Menu: Tools > Sketch Tools > Scale or CopyToolbar: Sketch > Scale or Copy (Customize to Add)


Figure 2-23 Base feature with slots created around a circle

created with the help of linear and circular patterns of sketched entities. The tools that are usedto create linear and circular patterns of sketched entities are discussed next.

Creating Linear Pattern of the Sketched Entities

Figure 2-22 Base feature with slots created about linear edges

CommandManager: Sketch > Linear Sketch Step and Repeat (Customize to Add)

Menu: Tools > Sketch Tools > Linear Sketch Step and RepeatToolbar: Sketch > Linear Sketch Step and Repeat (Customize to Add)


Figure 2-24 Linear Sketch Step and Repeat dialog box

In SolidWorks, the linear pattern of the sketched entities is created using the LinearSketch Step and Repeat tool. To create the linear pattern, select the sketched entitiesusing the Select tool and then choose this button from the Sketch CommandManager.The Linear Sketch Step and Repeat dialog box will be displayed as shown in

Figure 2-24 and the preview of the linear pattern will be shown on the screen in the background.Also, the arrow cursor is replaced by the linear pattern cursor. Note that if you have not selectedthe sketched entities to pattern before invoking this tool, you will have to select them one by oneusing the linear pattern cursor. You cannot define a window to select more than one entity usingthe linear pattern cursor.

The options available in this dialog box are discussed next.

Direction 1 AreaBy default, the first direction of a linear pattern is taken along the direction of the positiveX axis and is indicated in the preview of the pattern along direction 1. The options under thisarea are used to set the number of instances, spacing, and the angle along the first direction.These options are discussed next.

NumberThe Number spinner is used to specify the number of instances in the linear pattern alongthe first direction. As you increase or decrease the value of this spinner, the number ofinstances in the preview of the pattern are also modified. The default value of this spinner is 3.

SpacingThe Spacing spinner is used to specify the spacing between each instance along the firstdirection. Remember that the spacing is measured from the center of the entities selected


Figure 2-26 Preview of the linear pattern at an angle of 30-degreealong direction 1

for creating the pattern. Figure 2-25 shows the preview of the linear pattern that is displayedin the background. As evident in the figure, the number of instances along direction 1 isthree and the distance is measured between the center of two consecutive entities.

AngleThe Angle spinner is used to specify the angle of the linear pattern along the first direction.Remember that the orientation of the entities selected to be patterned will not change as youenter an angle value for the first direction. The default value of the angle is 0-degree.Figure 2-26 shows a linear pattern at an angle of 30-degree.

Reverse Direction 1The Reverse Direction 1 button is available on the right of the Angle spinner.This button is chosen to reverse direction 1.

FixedThe Fixed check box is available below the Spacing spinner. If this check box is selected,the incremental spacing between the instances along direction 1 will be placed as a dimension

Figure 2-25 Preview of the linear pattern with 3 instances along direction1 and 1 along direction 2


between the first two instances after you create the pattern. Also, a center line will be drawnbetween the first two instances. Note that this dimension will not be placed from center tocenter. It will be displayed from the first entity in the first instance in the pattern to the firstentity in the second instance.

Direction 2 AreaBy default, the second direction of a linear pattern is taken along the direction of the positiveY axis. The options under this area are used to set the number of instances, spacing, and theangle along the second direction. These options are discussed next.

NumberThe Number spinner is used to specify the number of instances in the linear pattern alongthe second direction. The default value of this spinner is 1. This is the reason the otheroptions in the Direction 2 area are not available. As soon as you set the value of this spinnerto more than 1, the other options in this area will be available.

SpacingThe Spacing spinner is used to specify the spacing between each instance along the seconddirection. As mentioned earlier, the spacing is measured from the center of the entitiesselected for creating the pattern.

AngleThe Angle spinner is used to specify the angle of the linear pattern along the seconddirection. This value will always be measured from the positive X axis direction.As mentioned earlier, the orientation of the entities selected to be patterned will not changeas you enter an angle value for the pattern. The default value of the angle is 90-degree.Figure 2-27 shows a linear pattern with the angle of direction 1 as 0-degree and the angle ofdirection 2 as 60-degree.

Figure 2-27 Preview of the linear pattern at an angle of 0-degree alongdirection 1 and 60-degree along direction 2


Reverse Direction 2The Reverse Direction 2 button is available on the right of the Angle spinner.This button is chosen to reverse direction 2.

FixedThe Fixed check box is available below the Spacing spinner. If this check box is selected,the incremental spacing between the instances along direction 2 will be placed as a dimensionbetween the first two instances after you create the pattern. Also, a center line will be drawnbetween the first two instances.

Constrain angle between axesThe Constrain angle between axes check box will be available only if you set the value of theNumber spinner in the Direction 2 area to more than 1. This check box is selected by default.As a result, the angle between the two directions of the linear pattern will be constrained and willbe placed as the dimension value when you create the pattern. However, if this check box iscleared, the angle between the two directions will not be displayed and will not be related toeach other.

Items to repeatThe Items to repeat list box displays all the entities selected to pattern. If you want to remove anentity from the selection set, select that entity from this box. The background color of the boxwill be changed to a reddish color and the entity will be highlighted in blue. Now, press theDELETE key from the keyboard. The removed entity will no more be displayed in the preview ofthe pattern and will not be selected in the original entities.

InstancesThe Instances list box displays all the instances of the linear pattern, except the original instance.The instances are displayed in a matrix format with the first number indicating the instancesalong direction 1 and the second number indicating the instances along direction 2. Note thatthe matrix [1,1] is not displayed because it is the original instance. If you want to remove aninstance from the pattern, select it in this list box and then press the DELETE key from thekeyboard. You will notice that the deleted instance is no more displayed in the preview of thepattern. Remember that this instance will not be deleted from the memory of the pattern. It willbe displayed in the Instances deleted list box.

Instances deletedThe Instances deleted list box displays all the instances that are deleted from the linear pattern.As mentioned earlier, the deleted instances are not removed from the memory of the pattern.They are stored in this list box. If you want to restore the deleted instance, select it in this box

Tip. You can also specify the spacing and angle value dynamically in the preview ofthe linear pattern. To do this, press the left mouse button on the control pointsdisplayed at the end of the arrow in the pattern preview and drag it. After placingthe arrow at the desired location, release the left mouse button. The new spacingand angle values will be displayed in their respective spinners.


and then press the DELETE key. You will notice that the selected instance is again displayed inthe preview and also in the Instances list box.

UndoThe Undo button is chosen to undo the operations performed in the Linear Step Sketch andRepeat dialog box. All the operations will be undone one by one if you keep choosing thisbutton and the original parameters will be restored. After everything is undone, this button willnot be available.

Creating Circular Pattern of the Sketched Entities

In SolidWorks, the circular pattern of the sketched entities is created using theCircular Sketch Step and Repeat tool. To create the circular pattern, select thesketched entities using the Select tool and then choose this button from the SketchCommandManager. The Circular Sketch Step and Repeat dialog box will be

displayed, as shown in Figure 2-28, and the preview of the circular pattern will be shown on thescreen in the background. Also, the arrow cursor will be replaced by the circular pattern cursor.

The options provided in the Circular Sketch Step and Repeat dialog box are discussed next.

Arc AreaThe options under the Arc area are used to specify the radius and angle of the imaginary circle,around the circumference of which the instances will be arranged. These options are discussednext.

RadiusThe Radius spinner is used to specify the radius of the imaginary circle aroundthe circumference of which the instances of the circular pattern are arranged. As you modifythis value, the center point of the imaginary circle will also change.

AngleAs you invoke the Circular Sketch Step and Repeat tool, a reference circle is drawn withdashed lines around which the instances of the circular pattern will be arranged. Also, areference line is drawn from the center of the entities selected to pattern and the center ofthe reference circle. The Angle spinner is used to modify the angle of this reference linedrawn between the center of entities and the center of the reference circle. As you modify thevalue of this spinner, the center of the reference circle will also modify accordingly.

Tip. You can also add entities in the current selection set or remove them from thecurrent selection set by selecting them using the linear pattern cursor. As you add orremove the instances, the effect can be seen dynamically in the preview of the pattern.

CommandManager: Sketch > Circular Sketch Step and Repeat (Customize to Add)

Menu: Tools > Sketch Tools > Circular Sketch Step and RepeatToolbar: Sketch > Circular Sketch Step and Repeat (Customize to Add)


FixedIf you select the Fixed check box, the radius of the reference circle will be placed as a lineardimension value after you create the circular pattern.

Center AreaThere are two spinners that are available in the Center area. They are the X spinner and the Yspinner. These two spinners are used to specify the X and Y coordinates of the center point ofthe reference circle around which the instances of the circular pattern will be arranged. Bydefault, the center of the reference circle is coincident with the origin. Therefore, the value ofboth these spinners will be 0 mm, 0 mm. You will notice that an arrow is displayed at the centerpoint of the reference circle and the tip of the arrow coincides with the origin. You can definethe new coordinates of the center of the reference circle in these spinners. You can also definethe center of the reference circle by pressing the left mouse button on the control point providedon the tip of the arrow and dragging the arrow to the desired location. The values of the Radiusand the Angle spinner in the Arc area and the X and Y spinners in the Center area willmodify accordingly.

NoteIf you know the location of the center point of the circular pattern, dragging the arrow at thecenter of the reference circle is the recommended method of defining the center of the circularpattern.

Figure 2-28 Circular Sketch Step and Repeat dialog box


Step AreaThe options in the Step area are used to specify the parameters such as the number of instancesin the pattern, the angle between the instances, and so on. These options are discussed next.

NumberThe Number spinner is used to specify the number of instances in the circular pattern. Thedefault value of this spinner is 4.

Total angleThe Total angle spinner is used to specify the total angle between all the instances of thecircular pattern. The default value of this spinner is 360-degree. You can enter the desiredvalue of the angle in this spinner.

Reverse RotationThe Reverse Rotation button is chosen to reverse the direction of the pattern. By default,the instances of the circular pattern are arranged in the clockwise direction. When youchoose this button, the direction is reversed to counterclockwise direction. To restore thecounterclockwise direction, choose this button again. Figure 2-29 shows the preview of thecircular pattern with 4 instances arranged in the counterclockwise direction.

EqualThe Equal check box is selected to specify the total angle between all the instances of thecircular pattern. If you clear this check box, the Total angle spinner is replaced by the

Tip. You can modify the total angle between the instances by pressing the left mousebutton on the tip of the direction arrow and dragging it.

Figure 2-29 Parameters associated with the circular pattern


Figure 2-31 Radius and angle values placed in the circular pattern

Figure 2-30 Creating circular pattern by defining incremental anglebetween individual instances

Spacing spinner. You can specify the incremental spacing between two successive instancesof the circular pattern in this spinner. Figure 2-30 shows the preview of the circular patternwith 70-degree incremental spacing between two successive instances.

Constrain spacingThe Constrain spacing check box is selected to constrain the incremental spacing betweenthe individual instances of the circular pattern. If this check box is selected, the incrementalspacing will be placed as an angular dimension when you create the pattern. Figure 2-31shows a circular pattern with the angle and the radius values placed in the pattern.


NoteThe other options in this dialog box are similar to those discussed in the linear pattern.

EDITING PATTERNSYou can edit the patterns of the sketched entities by using the shortcut menu that is displayedwhen you right-click on any instance of the pattern. Based on whether you right-clicked onthe instance of the linear or the circular pattern, the Edit Linear Step and Repeat or the EditCircular Step and Repeat option will be available in the shortcut menu. Figure 2-32 shows theshortcut menu that is displayed when you right-click one of the instances of a circular pattern.

Depending on whether you choose the option to edit a linear pattern or a circular pattern, theLinear Sketch Step and Repeat or the Circular Sketch Step and Repeat dialog box will bedisplayed. Note that only those options that can be edited will be available in these dialogboxes.

Figure 2-32 Shortcut menu displayed upon right-clicking an instanceof a linear pattern


WRITING TEXT IN THE SKETCHING ENVIRONMENT

You can also create text in the sketching environment of SolidWorks, that can belater used to create join or cut features. To create the text, choose the Text buttonfrom the Sketch CommandManager. The Sketch Text PropertyManager isdisplayed, as shown in Figure 2-33. Enter the text in the box available in the Text

rollout. You will notice that by default, the text will be started from the sketch origin. However,the text will actually be placed at the location that you specify on the screen before or afterwriting the text. You can also change the format, font, justification, and so on using the optionsavailable in the Text rollout.

Figure 2-34 shows the text created using the Text tool.

Command Manager: Sketch > Text (Customize to Add)

Menu: Tools > Sketch Entities > TextToolbar: Sketch > Text (Customize to Add)

Figure 2-33 Sketch Text PropertyManager


You can also create the text along a curve. To create the text along a curve, you first need to createthe curve. The curve can be an arc, spline, a line, or a combination of line, arc, and spline.Next, invoke the Sketch Text PropertyManager and select the curve or curves along which youneed to create the text. Now, enter the text in the Text edit box. You will observe that the text willbe created along the arc. You can use the Flip Horizontal and Flip Vertical options to modifythe display of the text. Figure 2-35 shows the text created along an arc.

MODIFYING SKETCHED ENTITIESMost of the sketches require modification at some stage of the design. Therefore, it is importantfor any designer to understand the process of modification in SolidWorks. Modification ofvarious sketched entities is discussed next.

Modifying a Sketched LineYou can modify the sketched lines by using the Line PropertyManager that is displayed whenyou select it using the Select tool. Note that if the selected line is a part of a rectangle, polygon,or a parallelogram, the entire object will be modified as you modify the line. This is because therelations are applied to all the lines of a rectangle, polygon, and a parallelogram.

Similarly, you can also modify the centerlines using the Line PropertyManager that is displayedwhen you select a centerline.

Modifying a Sketched CircleTo modify a sketched circle, select it using the Select tool to display the Sketched CirclePropertyManager. The coordinate values of the center point of the circle and the value of theradius will be displayed. You can modify the values that you want.

Modifying a Sketched ArcTo modify a sketched arc, select it using the Select tool. The Arc PropertyManager will bedisplayed with the coordinate values of the center point, the start point, and the endpoint. The

Figure 2-34 Sketch created using the Text tool

Figure 2-35 Text created along the arc


values of the radius and the included angle will also be displayed. You can modify the values thatyou want.

Modifying a Sketched PolygonTo modify a sketched polygon, right-click on any one edge of the polygon to display the shortcutmenu. Choose the Edit polygon option from the shortcut menu. The Polygon PropertyManagerwill be displayed. You can modify the selected polygon using the options in the PolygonPropertyManager or draw a new polygon.

NoteIf you right-click the reference circle that is automatically drawn when you draw a polygon, theEdit polygon option will not be available in the shortcut menu.

Modifying a SplineYou can perform four types of modifications on a spline. The first one is the modification of thecoordinates of the selected control point. The second one is adding more control points on thespline. The third one is modifying the spline using the moving frame. The fourth one is addingmore moving frames. These modifications are discussed next.

Modifying the Coordinates of Control PointsTo modify the control points of a spline, select it using the Select tool. The SplinePropertyManager will be displayed. All the control points of the spline will be displayed andthe current control point will be displayed with a filled square. The number and the coordinatesof the current handle will be displayed in the Spline PropertyManager. You can modify thecoordinates using the spinner. You can select any other handle by using the Spline Point Numberspinner.

Adding Control PointsTo add control points to the spline, choose Tools > Spline Tools > Insert Splint Point fromthe menu bar. You can also select the spline and right-click to invoke the shortcut menu. In thismenu, choose the Spline Point option. Now, select the points on the spline where you want toadd the control point. A circle will be displayed at the point specified on the spline. Similarly,you can add as many control points as you want to the spline. After adding the required numberof control points, invoke the Select tool and then select the spline again. You will notice that theboxes of control points will be displayed on all the points you specified on the spline. You candisplay the coordinates of a control point using the Spline Point Number spinner available inthe Spline PropertyManager.

Tip. The status of the sketched entity that you select for modification is displayed inthe Existing Relations rollout of the PropertyManager that is displayed. Forexample, if the selected sketched entity is fully defined, it will be displayed in thePropertyManager and if the entity is underdefined, the PropertyManager willdisplay that the entity is underdefined.


Modifying the Spline Using the Moving FramesThe moving frame is a combination of three mutually perpendicular lines (called handles) andis displayed when you select a spline control point. The moving frame is used to modify thecurvature and tangency of the spline at the selected control point. To modify a spline using themoving frame, select a particular control point of the spline using the Select tool. The movingframe will be displayed at the selected point. Three handles are provided on the moving frameto modify the spline. Select one of the handles and drag the mouse. The spline will be modifieddynamically as you drag the cursor. You can also move the moving frame by dragging the framepoint along the spline.

Adding the Moving FramesTo add the moving frame on the spline, select the spline where you want to add the movingframe using the Select tool and right-click to invoke the shortcut menu. Choose the MovingFrame option from the shortcut menu. A moving frame will be displayed at the selected point.You can add as many moving frames as you want to the spline. When a moving frame is notselected, it is displayed as a triangle. As you select a moving frame, the Frame PointPropertyManager is displayed. The Frame Point PropertyManager is used to display thevalues of X Coordinate, Y Coordinate, Curvature, and Tangency of the selected moving frame.Choose the moving frame and press the DELETE key from the keyboard to delete the movingframe.

NoteYou can also simplify the splines and convert a sketched entity into a spline. These options will bediscussed in advanced chapters.

Modifying a Sketched PointTo modify a sketched point, select it using the Select tool. The Sketched Point PropertyManagerwill be displayed. You can modify the coordinates of the sketched point using thisPropertyManager.

Modifying an Ellipse or an Elliptical ArcTo modify an ellipse or an elliptical arc, select it using the Select tool. The EllipsePropertyManager will be displayed. You can modify the required parameters using the optionsavailable in this PropertyManager.

Modifying a ParabolaTo modify a parabola, select it using the Select tool. The Parabola PropertyManager will bedisplayed. You can modify the parameters of a parabola from this PropertyManager.

Dynamically Modifying and Copying the SketchedEntitiesIn the sketcher environment of SolidWorks, you can modify or copy the sketched entities bydynamically dragging them using the left mouse button. For example, consider a case where youcreate a sketch of a rectangle and you want to increase the size of the rectangle. You simply haveto select any of the lines of the rectangle or select any of the vertices and hold down the left


mouse button to drag the mouse. Drag the sketch according to your requirement and thenrelease the left mouse button. If you choose Tools > Sketch Setting > Detach Segment on Dragfrom the menu bar and select a line of a rectangle to drag, the line segment will be detachedfrom the rectangle. This option is not activated by default. As a result, the segments are notdetached upon dragging.

You can also copy the sketched entities dynamically. Select the sketched entity or entities to becopied using the CTRL key or by dragging a window around them. Press and hold down theCTRL key on the keyboard. Now, press and hold the left mouse button down and drag theselected entity or entities. The preview of the copied entities will be displayed. Release the leftmouse button at the location where you want to place the new entities. You can make multiplecopies of the selected entities by repeating this procedure.

Splitting the Sketched Entity

Using the Split Entities option you can split a sketched entity into two or more thantwo entities by specifying the split points. To split an entity, choose the Split Entitiesbutton from the Sketch CommandManager; the current cursor will be replaced bythe split entities cursor. Move the cursor to an appropriate location where you want

to split the sketched entity. When the cursor snaps to the entity, press the left mouse button toadd a split point. Now, right click to display the shortcut menu and choose the select optionfrom the shortcut menu. Using the select cursor, select the sketched entity. You will notice thatthe sketched entity is divided in two entities and a split point is added between the two sketchedentities. You can add as many split points as you need. Remember that to split a circle, a fullellipse, or a closed spline, you need to split them at least at two points.

You can also delete the split points to convert the split entity into a single entity. To delete thesplit point, select the split point and press the DELETE key from the keyboard. You can alsoright-click on the split point to display the shortcut menu and choose the Delete option fromthe shortcut menu.

NOTEYou can use the Modify Sketch tool to move, scale, or rotate the entire sketch. This will bediscussed in advanced chapters.

TUTORIALS

Tutorial 1In this tutorial, you will create the base sketch of the model shown in Figure 2-36. The sketch ofthe model is shown in Figure 2-37. You will create the sketch of the base feature using the normalsketch tools and then modify and edit the sketch using various modifying options.

(Expected time: 30 min)

CommandManager: Sketch > Split Entities (Customize to Add)

Menu: Tools > Sketch Tools > Split CurveToolbar: Sketch > Split Curve (Customize to Add)


The steps that will be followed to complete this tutorial are listed next.

a. Start SolidWorks and then start a new part document.b. Maximize the part file document and then switch to the sketching environment.c. Draw the outer loop of the sketch of the given model, refer to Figures 2-38 and 2-39.d. Create the inner cavity using the Centerpoint Arc and the Tangent arc tools, refer to

Figure 2-40.e. Use the Circular Sketch Step and Repeat tool to create a circular pattern of the inner

cavity, refer to Figure 2-41.f. Complete the sketch by creating the circles that define the hole in the outer loop.

Figure 2-36 Solid Model for Tutorial 1

Figure 2-37 The sketch of the base feature


g. Using the Circular Sketch Step and Repeat tools, create the circles for the remaining holesin the outer loop, refer to Figure 2-42.

Starting SolidWorks and Starting a New SolidWorks Document1. Start SolidWorks by choosing Start > Programs > SolidWorks 2004 > SolidWorks 2004

or by double-clicking the shortcut icon of SolidWorks available on the desktop of yourcomputer.

The Welcome to SolidWorks 2004 window and Tip of the Day dialog box are displayed.The Tip of the Day dialog box is overlapping this window. As mentioned earlier, the tipsthat are displayed in this dialog box are very useful in making the best use of SolidWorks.

2. Close the Tip of the Day dialog box by choosing the Close button.

3. Choose the New Document option from the Welcome to SolidWorks 2004 window.

The New SolidWorks Document dialog box will be displayed.

4. The Part button is chosen by default. Choose the OK button from this dialog box.

A new SolidWorks part document is started. But the part document window is not maximizedin the SolidWorks window.

5. Choose the Maximize button available on the upper right corner of the part documentwindow to maximize the document window.

By default, when you open a new part document, the part modeling environment is active.But because you need to draw the sketch of the feature, you need to invoke thesketching environment.

6. Choose the Sketch button from the Standard toolbar. The Edit Sketch PropertyManager isinvoked and you are prompted to select the plane to create the sketch.

7. Select the Front plane; the sketching environment is invoked and the plane is orientednormal to the view.

You will notice that red color sketch origin is displayed along with the confirmation corner.

Modifying the Snap and Grid Settings and the Dimensioning UnitsBefore you proceed with drawing the sketch, you need to modify the grid and snap settingsso that you can make the cursor jump through a distance of 10 mm.

1. Choose Tools > Options from menu bar and then choose the Document Properties tab toinvoke the Document Properties - Detailing dialog box.

2. Choose the Grid/Snap option from the area on the left. Set the value of the Minor-lines permajor spinner to 10, and Major grid spacing spinner to 100.


3. Select the Snap to points check box from the Snap area, if it is not selected.

The coordinates displayed close to the lower left corner of the SolidWorks window will showan increment of 10 mm when you move the cursor in the drawing area after exiting thedialog box.

4. If by default the grid is displayed when you invoke the sketching environment, you canremove the display of grid. To remove the grid clear the Display grid check box from theGrid area.

If you selected a unit other than millimeter to measure the length while installing SolidWorks,you need to select the units for the current drawing.

5. Select the Units option from the area on the left of the Document Properties - Grid/Snapdialog box.

6. Select millimeters from the drop-down list available in the Length units area and Degreesfrom the drop-down list available in the Angular units area.

7. Choose the OK button after making the necessary settings.

Creating the Outer Loop of the SketchAs evident from Figure 2-37, the sketch consists of the outer loop and inner cavities. It isrecommended that for complex sketches, you should first create the outer loop of the sketch.Therefore, you will create the outer loop of the sketch first. Then you can proceed with theinner cavities.

The origin of the sketcher environment is placed in the middle of the drawing area and youhave to create the sketch in the first quadrant. Therefore, it is recommended that you modifythe drawing area. This can be done using the Pan tool.

1. Choose the Pan button from the View toolbar to invoke the pan tool. The select cursor isreplaced by the pan cursor.

2. Press and hold down the left mouse button near the sketch origin and drag the cursor to thelower left corner of the drawing area. The sketch origin moves near the lower left corner ofthe drawing area.

3. Choose the Circle button from the Sketch CommandManager. The pan cursor will bereplaced by the circle cursor.

4. Move the cursor to a location where the value of the coordinates is 70 mm 70 mm 0 mm.

Tip. You can also pan using the CTRL+middle mouse button. To use this option,hold down the CTRL key and then press the middle mouse button and drag thecursor.


Figure 2-38 Sketch after trimming the unwanted entities

5. Specify the centerpoint of the circle at this location and move the cursor horizontally towardthe right. When the radius above the circle cursor shows a value of 50, press the left mousebutton.

6. Choose the Zoom to Area button from the View toolbar. Using the left mouse button, draga window such that the sketched circle and the sketch origin are placed in the window.

When you release the left mouse button the display area of the sketch will be increased.

7. Choose the Centerline button from the Sketch CommandManager and draw a horizontalcenter line from the center of the circle toward the right, refer to Figure 2-38.

8. Choose the Circle button from the Sketch CommandManager and move the cursor at theintersection of the centerline and the circle. At the intersection point, a cross will be displayedbelow the cursor.

9. Using the left mouse button, specify the centerpoint of the circle at this location and movethe cursor horizontally toward the right. When the value of the radius above the circle cursorshows a value of 10, press the left mouse button.

10. Choose the Trim Entities button from the Sketch CommandManager.

11. Trim the part of the sketch so that the sketch looks similar to the one shownin Figure 2-38.

12. Choose the Circular Sketch Step and Repeat button from the SketchCommandManager. You may have to customize this button to add in the SketchCommandManager.


The Circular Sketch Step and Repeat dialog box is displayed and the cursor is replaced bythe circular pattern cursor.

13. Using the circular pattern cursor, select the smaller trimmed circle. The preview of thecircular pattern with default setting is displayed in the drawing area.

You will notice that the center of the circular pattern, which is displayed by an arrow, isplaced at the origin. But because the origin is not the actual center of the circular pattern,you need to modify the centerpoint of the circular pattern. You can modify the center of thecircular pattern by entering the coordinates of the point in the X and Y spinners availablein the Center area of this dialog box. But the recommended method of modifying thecenter of the circular pattern is by dragging the arrow displayed at the center of the pattern.

14. Move the circular pattern cursor at the control point available at the end of the arrow that isdisplayed at the origin. The control point turns red in color.

15. Press and hold the left mouse button down at the control point and drag it to the center ofthe outer trimmed circle in the sketch. Release the left mouse button when a red circle isdisplayed at the centerpoint of the outer trimmed circle.

You will notice that both X and Y spinners in the Center area show 70 mm as the values.This is because the center of the outer trimmed circle is located at a distance of 70 mm alongthe X and Y axis directions.

16. Set the value of the Number spinner in the Step area to 6. Accept all the other default valuesand choose the OK button to create the pattern.

17. Trim the unwanted portion of the outer trimmed circle using the Trim Entitiestool. After trimming, the sketch should look similar to that shown in Figure 2-39.

Figure 2-39 Outer loop of the sketch


Drawing the Sketch of the Inner CavityNext, you need to draw the sketch of the inner cavities. You will draw the sketch of one of thecavities and then create a circular pattern of this cavity. The number of items in the circularpattern will be 3.

Before creating the sketch of the inner cavity, you need to create a centerline that will act asa reference for creating the sketch of the inner cavity.

1. Invoke the Document Properties - Grid/Snap dialog box. Set the value of the spinneravailable on the right of the Snap to angle check box in the Snap area to 30. Also, select theSnap to angle check box.

2. Choose the Centerline button from the Sketch CommandManager. Move the cursor closeto the center of the outer circle. When the red circle is displayed, specify the start point ofthe centerline. Move the cursor to a location where the angle of the line is shown as exactly30-degree and the length is close to 35. At this point, specify the endpoint of the line.

3. Exit the Centerline tool and select the centerline. The Line PropertyManager is displayed.Set the value of the Length spinner to 35.

4. Choose the Circle button from the Sketch CommandManager.

5. Move the cursor to the upper endpoint of the inclined centerline. When the red circle isdisplayed, specify the centerpoint. Move the cursor horizontally toward the right and createa circle of radius close to 5 mm.

6. Set the value of the radius of the circle to 5 in the Radius spinner of the CirclePropertyManager.

7. Choose the Circular Sketch Step and Repeat button from the SketchCommandManager.

The Circular Sketch Step and Repeat dialog box is displayed and the circle is automaticallyselected to be patterned. This is because the circle was selected when you invoked this tool.

Note that the center of the circular pattern is placed at the origin. You need to change thecenter of the circular pattern to the center of the outer trimmed circle.

8. Move the circular pattern cursor at the control point available at the end of the arrow that isdisplayed at the origin.

9. When the red circle is displayed, press and hold down the left mouse button and drag thecursor to the centerpoint of the outer trimmed circle. Release the left mouse when the redcircle is displayed.

10. Set the value of the Number spinner to 2.


11. Set the value of the Total angle spinner to 45-degree and choose the Reverse Rotationbutton.

12. Choose OK from the Circular Sketch Step and Repeat dialog box.

13. Choose the Centerpoint Arc button from the Sketch CommandManager.

14. Move the cursor to the centerpoint of the outer trimmed circle and specify the centerpointof the arc. Now, move the cursor to the intersection of the centerline and the circle. Specifythe start point of the arc when the intersection symbol appears. Exit this tool.

15. Move the cursor in the counterclockwise direction. When the value of the angle above thearc cursor shows a value of 45-degree, press the left mouse button to specify the endpoint ofthe arc.

Next, you will offset the arc created in the previous step through an offset distance of 10.

The arc created earlier is displayed in green, suggesting that it is already selected. If the arcis not selected, select the arc using the left mouse button before invoking the offset tool.

16. Choose the Offset Entities button from the Sketch CommandManager. TheOffset Entities PropertyManager is displayed.

17. The default value of the Offset Distance spinner is 10. Clear the Reverse check box, ifselected. Choose the OK button from the Offset Entities PropertyManager.

18. Choose the Trim Entities button from the Sketch CommandManager. Trim theunwanted portion of the inner cavity and then exit this tool. The sketch aftercompleting the inner cavity is shown in Figure 2-40.

Figure 2-40 The sketch of the outer loop and the inner cavity


Figure 2-41 Sketch after creating the pattern of the inner cavity

Creating the Pattern of the Inner CavityNext, you will create the pattern of the inner cavity using the Circular Sketch Step andRepeat tool. The pattern of the inner cavity consists of three instances. The centerpoint ofthe pattern lies at the centerpoint of the outer trimmed circle.

Before invoking this option, press the CTRL key from the keyboard and using the leftmouse button, select all the entities of the inner cavity.

1. Choose the Circular Sketch Step and Repeat button from the SketchCommandManager toolbar to invoke the Circular Sketch Step and Repeatdialog box.

2. Press and hold the left mouse button down at the control point of the arrow that is displayedat the origin. Drag it to the center of the outer trimmed circle in the sketch. Release the leftmouse button when the red circle is displayed.

You will notice that the X and Y spinners in the Center area show 70 mm as the values.

The default value of the number of items in the pattern is 4. But because you need 3 items inthe pattern, you need to modify this value.

3. Set the value of the Number spinner in the Step area to 3. Accept all the other default valuesand choose the OK button to create the pattern. The sketch after creating the pattern of theinner cavity is shown in Figure 2-41.

Sketching the HolesNext, you need to create the sketch of the holes. As evident from Figure 2-37, you need tocreate a total of six circles. After creating the first circle, you will create the other five circlesby creating a circular pattern of the parent circle.


1. Choose the Circle button from the Sketch CommandManager.

2. Move the cursor to the centerpoint of the right trimmed circle. Taking the centerpoint ofthis as the center, draw a circle of radius close to 5. You can press the CTRL key to make surethe cursor is not snapping to the points.

3. Set the value of the Radius spinner to 5 in the Circle PropertyManager.

4. Choose the Circular Sketch Step and Repeat button from the Sketch CommandManagerto invoke the Circular Sketch Step and Repeat dialog box.

5. Move the center of the circular pattern to the centerpoint of the outer trimmed circle.

6. Set the value of the Number spinner to 6 in the Step area of this dialog box. Accept all theother default values and choose OK in this dialog box.

The final sketch of Tutorial 1 is shown in Figure 2-42.

Saving the SketchAs mentioned earlier, it is recommended that you create a separate folder for saving thetutorial files of each chapter. When you invoke the option to save the document, the defaultfolder that is displayed is the one in which you saved the last document. Browse to the MyDocuments/SolidWorks folder. Now, you will create another folder inside the SolidWorks folderand save the document.

1. Choose the Save button from the Standard toolbar to invoke the Save As dialog box.

Figure 2-42 Final sketch for Tutorial 1


Figure 2-43 Solid model for Tutorial 2

2. Choose the Create New Folder button from the Save As dialog box. Enter the name of thefolder as c02 and press ENTER.

3. Enter the name of the document as c02-tut01.sldprt in the File name edit box and choose theSave button.

The document will be saved in the /My Documents/SolidWorks/c02 folder.

4. Close the file by choosing File > Close from the menu bar.

Tutorial 2In this tutorial you will create the base sketch of the model shown in Figure 2-43. The sketch ofthe model is shown in Figure 2-44. You will create the sketch with mirror line and mirror tool.After creating the sketch, you will modify it by dragging the sketched entities.


The steps that will be followed to complete this tutorial are listed below.

a. Start a new part document.b. Maximize the part document and then switch to the sketching environment.c. Create the centerlines and create a mirror line using one of the centerline and the Mirror

Entities tool.d. Create the sketch in the third quadrant; the sketch will automatically be mirrored on other

side, refer to Figure 2-45e. Mirror the entire sketch along the second mirror line, refer to Figure 2-46.f. Modify the sketch by dragging the sketched entities, refer to Figure 2-47.


Starting a New Document1. Choose the New button from the Standard toolbar to invoke the New SolidWorks Document

dialog box.

2. The Part button is chosen by default. Choose the OK button from the New SolidWorksDocument dialog box. A new SolidWorks part document is started.


Next, you need to invoke the sketching environment.

4. Choose the Sketch button from the Standard toolbar and select the Front plane to invokethe sketching environment.

Next, you need to modify the snap and grid settings.

5. Invoke the Document Properties - Grid/Snap dialog box. Set the value of the Major gridspacing spinner to 100 and Minor-lines per Major spinner to 10. Select the Snap to pointscheck box to activate the snap option. Make sure the Snap to angle check box is cleared.

It is assumed that you have selected the unit of measurement as millimeter while installingSolidWorks. However, if you have selected any other unit while installation then you need tochange the unit.

6. Select the Units option available below the Grid/Snap option. Select the millimeters optionfrom the drop-down list available in the Length units area. Select the Degrees option fromthe drop-down list available in the Angular units area. Choose OK to exit the dialog box.

Figure 2-44 Sketch of the model


Creating the Center Lines and a Mirror LineIn this tutorial, you will create the sketch of the given model with the help of a mirror line.The sketches that are symmetrical along any axis are recommended to be drawn using themirror line. The mirror line is created using the Centerline and Mirror tools. After creatinga mirror line, when you draw the entities on one side of the mirror line, the same entities arealso automatically created on the other side of the mirror line. This is because the symmetricalrelation is applied to the entities on both sides of the mirror line. Therefore, if you modifyan entity on one side of the mirror line, the same modifications are applied to the mirroredentity, and vice versa. First, you need to create a mirror line.

1. Choose the Centerline button from the Sketch CommandManager.

2. Move the line cursor to a location where the value of the coordinates is 0 mm 100 mm 0 mm.You may have to pan the drawing to reach that point.

3. Specify the start point of the centerline at this point and move the cursor vertically downwardand create a line of 200 mm length. You may have to zoom and pan the drawing to draw aline of this length.

4. Now, double-click anywhere on the screen to end the current chain. You can also press theright mouse button anywhere on the drawing area to invoke the shortcut menu. Choose theEnd chain option from the shortcut menu.

5. Move the line cursor to a location where the value of the coordinates is -100 mm 0 mm 0 mm.

6. Specify the start point of the centerline and move the cursor horizontally toward the right todraw a line of 200 mm length. Pan the drawing, if required.

7. Zoom to fit the drawing and then right-click to invoke the Select tool. The line cursor willbe replaced by the select cursor.

8. Select the vertical centerline; it will be displayed in green.

9. Choose Mirror Entities from the Sketch CommandManager to create the mirrorline and activate the automatic mirror option.

You can confirm the creation of the mirror line and the activation of the automatic mirroroption by observing the symmetrical symbol applied to both the ends of the centerline.

Drawing the SketchNext, you will create the sketch of the base feature. You will create the sketch in the thirdquadrant. The same sketch will be created automatically on the other side of the mirror line.The symmetrical relation is applied between the parent entity and the mirrored entity.

1. Choose the Line button from the Sketch CommandManager to invoke the line tool.


2. Move the line cursor to a location where the value of the coordinates is 0 mm -100 mm 0 mm.

3. Specify the start point of the line at this location and move the cursor horizontally towardthe left.

4. Specify the endpoint of the line when the length of the line above the line cursor shows avalue of 90.

You will notice that as soon as you specify the endpoint of the line, a mirror image isautomatically created on the other side of the mirror line. This line created as the mirroredentity is merged with the line drawn on the left. Therefore, the entire line becomes a singleentity. Remember that the lines will merge only if one of the endpoints of the line you drawis coincident with the mirror line.

5. Move the cursor vertically upwards and specify the endpoint of the line when the length ofthe line above the line cursor shows a value of 30.

You will notice that as soon as you specify the endpoint of a line, a mirror image is automaticallycreated on the other side of the mirror line.

6. Move the line cursor toward the right and specify the endpoint of the line when the lengthof the line above the line cursor shows a value of 30. A mirror image is automatically createdon the other side of the mirror line.

7. Move the line cursor vertically upward and specify the endpoint of the line when the linecursor snaps the horizontal center line. Exit the Line tool. The sketch after creating thelines is shown in Figure 2-45.

Figure 2-45 Sketch after creating the lines


Mirroring the Entire SketchAfter creating one half of the sketch, you need to mirror the entire sketch about the horizontalcenterline. But first, you need to disable automatic mirroring.

1. As evident from the symmetric relation symbol on the vertical centerline, automatic mirroringis activated. Choose the Mirror Entities button again to disable automatic mirroring.

Now, the vertical centerline will not work as a mirror line.

2. Use the CTRL key from the keyboard and the left mouse button to select all the linessketched earlier and the horizontal centerline.

3. Choose the Mirror Entities button from the Sketch CommandManager. Theentire sketch is mirrored about the horizontal centerline. The sketch aftermirroring is shown in Figure 2-46.

Modifying the Sketch by DraggingNext, you will modify the sketch by dragging. While dragging the entities, you will observethat the corresponding mirrored entity will also be modified.

1. Select the lower right vertical line. The Line PropertyManager will be displayed on the leftof the drawing area.

You will notice that the value of the length in the Length spinner shows a value of 30. Butthe required length of this line is 20. Therefore, you need to edit the length of this line. Inthis tutorial, you will edit the sketch by dragging. You will observe that when you drag oneline, all the dependent lines are also modified. This is because they are created as mirrorimages.

Figure 2-46 Sketch after mirroring the sketched entities


2. Select the top horizontal line and drag the cursor vertically downward. Release the leftmouse button when the value of the Start Y Coordinate spinner and the End Y Coordinatespinner decreases by 10.

You will observe that all the sketched entities that are related to the dragged entity are alsomodified.

3. Select the lower left vertical line and drag the cursor horizontally toward the right. Releasethe left mouse button when the value of the Start X Coordinate spinner and the End YCoordinate spinner decreases by 10.

4. Select the middle left vertical line and drag the cursor horizontally toward the right. Releasethe left mouse button when the value of the Start X Coordinate spinner and the End XCoordinate spinner shows a value of -10.

The final sketch after modifying the sketched entities by dragging is shown in Figure 2-47.

Saving the Sketch1. Choose the Save button from the Standard toolbar to invoke the Save As dialog box.

2. Browse to the SolidWorks/c02 folder if it is not displayed by default. Enter the name of thedocument as c02-tut02.sldprt in the File name edit box and choose the Save button.

The document will be saved in the /My Documents/SolidWorks/c02 folder.

3. Close the document by choosing File > Close from the menu bar.



Tutorial 3In this tutorial you will create the basic sketch of the model shown in Figure 2-48. The sketch isshown in Figure 2-49. Do not dimension the sketch as the solid model and the dimensions aregiven only for your reference. (Expected Time: 30 min.)

The steps that will be followed to complete this tutorial are listed below:

a. Start a new part document.b. Maximize the part file document and then switch to the sketching environment.c. Create a centerline that will be used for reference.

Figure 2-48 Solid model for Tutorial 3

Figure 2-49 Sketch for Tutorial 3


d. Draw and edit the sketch using the Mirror Entities and Trim Entities tools, refer toFigure 2-50.

e. Offset the entire sketch, refer to Figure 2-51.f. Complete the final editing of the sketch using the sketch extend and sketch trim tools, refer

to Figures 2-52 and 2-53.

Starting a New Document1. Choose the New button from the Standard toolbar to invoke the New SolidWorks Document

dialog box.

2. The Part button is chosen by default. Choose the OK button from the New SolidWorksDocument dialog box.


4. Choose the Sketch button from the Standard toolbar and select the Front plane to invokethe sketching environment.

5. Using the Document Properties - Grid/Snap dialog box, set the value of the Major gridspacing to 100 and Minor-lines per major spinner to 10. Also, select the Snap to pointcheck box.

Creating the CenterlineBefore creating the sketch, you need to create a centerline that will act as a reference for theother sketch entities. This centerline will also be used for mirroring.

1. Choose the Centerline button from the Sketch CommandManager.

2. Move the cursor to a location where the value of the coordinates is -70 mm 0 mm 0 mm.

3. Specify the start point at this location and move the cursor horizontally toward the right.

4. Specify the endpoint of the centerline when the value of the length of the centerline abovethe line cursor shows a value of 140.

5. Double-click anywhere in the drawing area to end line creation.

Drawing the Outer Loop of the SketchNext, you need to create the outer loop of the sketch using the sketch tools. As evident fromFigure 2-49, the sketch is drawn using the Circle and the Line tools.

1. Choose the Circle button from the Sketch CommandManager. The line cursor will bereplaced by the circle cursor.

2. Move the circle cursor to the origin and when the red circle is displayed, press the leftmouse button to specify the centerpoint of the circle.


3. Move the cursor horizontally toward the right and draw a circle of 50 mm radius.

4. Choose the Zoom to Fit button from the View toolbar to increase the display of the sketch.

5. Choose the Line button from the Sketch CommandManager and move the cursor to alocation where the value of the coordinates is -60 mm 10 mm 0 mm. Specify the start pointof the line at this location.

6. Move the cursor horizontally toward the right and press the left mouse button to specify theendpoint of the line when the line cursor snaps the circle. Exit the Line tool.

7. Press the CTRL key from the keyboard and using the left mouse button, select the horizontalline created in the last step and the horizontal centerline. Both the selected entities will bedisplayed in green color.

8. Choose the Mirror Entities button from the Sketch CommandManager. Themirror image of the lower horizontal line will be created on the other side of thecenterline.

9. Choose the Line button from the Sketch CommandManager and move the cursor to the leftendpoint of the upper horizontal line. Specify the start point of the line when the red circleis displayed.

10. Move the cursor vertically downwards. Specify the endpoint of the line when the cursorsnaps to the left endpoint of the lower horizontal line.

11. Choose the Trim Entities button from the Sketch CommandManager. The linecursor will be replaced by the trim cursor. Trim the unwanted portion of thecircle, as shown in Figure 2-50.

Figure 2-50 Sketch of the outer loop


Offsetting the EntitiesAfter creating the outer loop of the sketch, you will create the inner cavity. The first step increating the inner cavity of the sketch will be offsetting the entire sketch inwards.

1. Choose the Offset Entities button from the Sketch CommandManager. TheOffset Entities PropertyManager is displayed on the left of the drawing area.

2. Set the value of the Offset Distance spinner to 4. Select any one entity of the sketch; theentire sketch will be selected.

When you select the sketch, the preview of the offset sketch is displayed in the drawing area.But the direction of the offset is outside the sketch. The required direction of offset is insidethe sketch. Therefore, you need to flip the direction.

3. Move the cursor inside the sketch and press the left mouse button to create the offset sketchwith reverse direction. A dimension with a value of 4 is displayed with the sketch.

The sketch after offsetting the outer loop is shown in Figure 2-51.

4. Choose the Extend Entities button from the Sketch CommandManager. Theselect cursor will be replaced by the extend cursor.

If the Extend Entities button is not available in the Sketch CommandManager, you caninvoke the extend option from Tools > Sketch Tools > Extend. As discussed earlier, youcan insert the Extend Entities button in the Sketch CommandManager using the Customizedialog box.

Figure 2-51 Sketch after offsetting the outer loop


5. Move the cursor close to the left end of the lower horizontal line of the inner sketch. You canpreview the extended line in magenta color. (The preview of the extended entity will bedisplayed in magenta if you are working on Windows 2000 platform. If you are working onWindows XP, the preview will be displayed in yellow.) Move the cursor a little bit toward theleft if the preview of the extended line appears to the right. Press the left mouse button toextend the line.

6. Similarly, extend the upper horizontal line of the inner sketch. The sketch after extendingthe lines is shown in Figure 2-52.

7. Choose the Trim Entities button from the Sketch CommandManager and theextend cursor will be replaced by the trim cursor.

8. Using the left mouse button trim the unwanted entities. The final sketch is shown inFigure 2-53.

Saving the Sketch1. Choose the Save button from the Standard toolbar to invoke the Save As dialog box.

2. Enter the name of the document as c02-tut03.sldprt in the File name edit box and choose theSave button. Close the file by choosing File > Close from the menu bar.

Figure 2-52 Sketch after extending the lines



Tip. Setting the snap and grid parameters for each document is a very tedious andtime-consuming process. To overcome this problem you can create a template inwhich all the snap, grid, and units are set. Whenever you have to create a partdocument you just have to choose that template from the Template tab of the NewSolidWorks Document dialog box. To create and save a template, create a newdocument in the Part mode and set the parameters of units, snap, and grid from theDocument Properties dialog box. Choose the Save button from the Standardtoolbar or choose File > Save from the menu bar. The Save As dialog box will bedisplayed. Browse X:/Program Files/SolidWorks/data/templates location to savethe file. X: is the drive in which you have installed SolidWorks. Select the PartTemplates (*.prtdot) option from the Save as type drop-down list. Enter the nameof the template file in the File name edit box. Choose the Save button from theSave As dialog box.

Next time when you invoke the New SolidWorks Document dialog box to start anew part document, choose the Advanced button to display the advanced version ofthis dialog box. The advanced version of the New SolidWorks Document dialogbox will have the Tutorial tab that lists the template that you created, along withthe other default templates. Using the same procedure, you can also create theuser-defined templates for drawing and assembly documents. You will learn moreabout drawing and assembly documents in later chapters.

Next time when you invoke the New SolidWorks Document dialog box, the advancedversion of this dialog box will be displayed. To restore the original version, choosethe Novice button.


SELF-EVALUATION TESTAnswer the following questions and then compare your answers with the answers given atthe end of this chapter.

1. The Trim option is also used to extend the sketched entities. (T/F)

2. In the sketching environment, you can apply fillets to two parallel lines. (T/F)

3. You can apply a fillet to two nonparallel and nonintersecting entities. (T/F)

4. You cannot offset a single entity; you have to select a chain of entities to create an entityusing the Offset Entities tool. (T/F)

5. You can choose Insert > Customize from the menu bar to display the Customize dialogbox. (T/F)

6. The design intent is not captured in the sketch created using the mirror line. (T/F)

7. The __________ tool is used to create a linear pattern in the sketcher environment ofSolidWorks.

8. The __________ tool is used to create a circular pattern in the sketcher environment ofSolidWorks.

9. To modify a sketched circle, select it using the __________ tool to display the __________PropertyManager.

10. The __________ tool is used to invoke the automatic mirroring option.

REVIEW QUESTIONSAnswer the following questions.

1. You cannot extend the sketched entity using the trim tool. (T/F)

2. The preview of the entity to be extended is displayed in red color. (T/F)

3. You cannot apply a sketch fillet to two nonintersecting entities. (T/F)

4. The sketched entities can be mirrored without using a centerline. (T/F)

5. The Fixed check box in the Linear Sketch Step and Repeat dialog box is selected tospecify the dimension between the first two instances along a specified direction after youcreate the pattern. (T/F)


6. Which PropertyManager is displayed when you choose the Sketch Fillet button from theSketch CommandManager?

(a) Sketch Fillet (b) Fillet(c) Surface Fillet (d) Sketching Fillet

7. When you choose Tools > Sketch Tools > Chamfer from the menu bar to invoke thechamfer tools, which PropertyManager is displayed on the left of the drawing area.

(a) Sketch Chamfer (b) Sketcher Chamfer(c) Sketching Chamfer (d) Chamfer

8. Which tool is used to create automatic mirror line?

(a) Mirror Entities (b) Mirror(c) Automatic Mirror (d) None

9. Which tool is used to break a sketched entity in two or more than two entities?

(a) Split Entities (b) Trim Sketch(c) Break Curve (d) Trim Curve

10. Which tool is used to create a circular pattern in SolidWorks?

(a) Circular Pattern (b) Circular Sketch Step and Repeat(c) Array (d) None

EXERCISES

Exercise 1Create the sketch of the model shown in Figure 2-54. The sketch is shown in Figure 2-55. Thesolid model and dimensions are given only for reference. Create the sketch on one side andthen mirror it on the other side. Make sure you do not use the mirror line option to draw thissketch. This is because if you draw the sketch using the mirror line, some relations are applied tothe sketch. These relations interfere while creating fillets. (Expected time: 30 min)


Figure 2-54 Solid model for Exercise 1

Figure 2-55 Sketch for Exercise 1

Exercise 2Create the sketch of the model shown in Figure 2-56. The sketch is shown in Figure 2-57. Thesolid model and dimensions are given only for reference. Create the sketch using the sketchingtools and then edit the sketch using the circular pattern tool and the trim tool.





Exercise 3Create the sketch of the model shown in Figure 2-58. The sketch is shown in Figure 2-59. Thismodel is created using a revolved feature; therefore, you will create the sketch on one side of thecenterline. The solid model and dimensions are given only for reference.





Exercise 4Create the sketch of the model shown in Figure 2-60. The sketch is shown in Figure 2-61. Thismodel is created using a revolved feature; therefore, you will create the sketch on one side of thecenterline. The solid model and dimensions are given only for reference.



Answers to Self-Evaluation Test1. T, 2. F, 3. T, 4. F, 5. F, 6. F, 7. Linear Sketch Step and Repeat, 8. Circular Sketch Step andRepeat, 9. Select, Circle, 10. Mirror Entities